Novak Djokovic had a controversial 2025 Australian Open campaign, culminating in a shocking semi-final withdrawal due to a muscle tear injury. However, what stood out more than his injury was the treatment he received from fans and the media, which highlighted a growing disrespect towards the tennis legend.
Djokovic Faces Booing from Crowd After Injury Withdrawal
After battling through a tough tournament, Djokovic’s hopes of clinching a record-extending 11th Australian Open title came to an abrupt end when he withdrew from his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev. The crowd at Rod Laver Arena, rather than offering support, chose to boo the 37-year-old.
In the face of such disrespect, Djokovic kept his composure. He nodded coldly at the crowd and gave them a double thumbs-up before calmly leaving the court. His lack of emotional reaction and his icy response in the face of adversity contrasted with the crowd’s behavior.
Even Zverev had to step in during his courtside interview, urging the crowd not to boo a player of Djokovic’s stature.
Tension Between Djokovic and the Media
The controversy surrounding Djokovic’s treatment at the Australian Open wasn’t limited to fan behavior. He had an earlier standoff with the media during his fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka, where anti-Djokovic chants were heard from the crowd, disrupting his serve and forcing the chair umpire to intervene.
But it wasn’t just the crowd. Djokovic also snubbed Jim Courier, the legendary tennis player, during a courtside interview after his victory over Lehecka. The snub was linked to comments made by Tony Jones from Nine Network, which Djokovic deemed offensive and insulting to both him and his Serbian fans.
Djokovic demanded a public apology from Jones, which was later delivered, but the incident added more fuel to the fire, reflecting his frustration with the treatment he was receiving throughout the tournament.
Muscle Tear Injury and Retirement Speculation
Djokovic had sustained the muscle tear during his quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz but was accused by John McEnroe of faking the injury to catch his opponents off-guard. Djokovic’s decision to cancel his training sessions and leave his first practice just 90 minutes before the semi-final only fueled these speculations.
Despite the injury, Djokovic’s emotional restraint in the face of boos showed his strength of character, and it made it clear that the disrespectful treatment he faced from both fans and media would not shake his resolve.
Conclusion: The Disrespect Continues
This year’s Australian Open served as a reminder of the challenges Novak Djokovic continues to face, not only on the court but also in terms of public perception. Whether it’s the media or the crowd, the lack of respect for his legacy and achievements was evident. However, Djokovic’s ability to maintain his composure in the face of adversity remains one of his defining qualities.
As Djokovic hints at potential retirement, the treatment he received at this Grand Slam is a stark contrast to the legacy he has built in the sport. Fans and media alike are urged to recognize his contribution to tennis and to show the respect he deserves.
